Sponsor backs British enterprises
Sponsor backs British enterprises
In these turbulent times for British agriculture, sheep farming remains an essential element in the mix of farm enterprises. Indeed, there are 82,500 sheep flocks in the UK, and 21m breeding ewes. Todays successful sheep producer is now more likely than ever to base his business decisions on what is happening on a national, European and global scale.
Our domestic markets are changing rapidly, in terms of the way in which business is done and what the market demands. This means that producers must be certain that they are able to produce lamb which meets market requirements.
Stronger regional and national branding has become an important feature and the success of marketing co-ops, in establishing markets for products of consistently high quality standards, has helped secure good outlets for British lamb both at home and abroad.
Meanwhile, our membership of the EU has brought us access to a large and demanding group of consumers. It is the unique features of British lamb, in terms of taste, welfare standards and quality which enable it to stand out on European markets. Enormous inroads have been made into the export trade and the figures for January to April this year, which show a 7% increase in exports, bear testament to this.
The strength of the pound has increased steadily since 1996, forcing sheep producers to contend with ever more competitively priced imports from New Zealand. Further to this, domestic prices have been placed under pressure by the need to remain competitive on export markets, despite the pounds strength.
Looking forward, the signs are that sterling is beginning to weaken, and this may improve export prospects. Domestic sheep markets look set to remain stable in the short to medium term and for the year to date, average monthly prices have remained above 1999 levels.
NatWest remains firmly committed to UK agriculture: With over 120 agricultural business managers around the country we are well represented in the main sheep producing areas. A warm welcome awaits you at the NatWest stand where our managers will be pleased to talk with you about finance solutions for farming businesses.
We are delighted to be sponsors of Sheep 2000 and look forward to meeting you.
Brian Montgomery
NatWest Bank